A Man Should Know What to Do and What Not to Do! The Prodigy of the Xie Clan? The True M

In the residence of a feudal lord.

Marquis Xiao Pingnan of Beicang, who had been looking preoccupied, suddenly showed a hint of unease on his face after hearing what Ji Xiu said.

But after a moment, the smile vanished, replaced by a forced one. He patted the man's shoulder and said:

"Thanks to you, Mingli's condition has improved significantly recently compared to before."

"I don't know what kind of bewitching potion you gave her, but before she could use rare herbs to cure her chronic illness, she picked up her long-abandoned martial arts and Taoist skills again and studied them day and night."

Hearing that Xiao Mingli was doing well and that Ji Xiu had made a promise to her, thus beginning a deep bond, Ji Xiu nodded in relief.

"That's good. The young lady and I will encourage each other and be determined to climb to the peak of martial arts together in this life."

"Furthermore, she is ambitious and naturally unwilling to fall into depravity. Once she uses rare herbs in medicine and transforms the medicinal power into cultivation, with her many years of accumulation, she will surely either remain silent or make a name for herself!"

"Perhaps she'll be on the path to achieving the 'title' even faster than I am in the future."

Ji Xiu and Xiao Mingli were deeply entangled and had already developed a romantic relationship. Since he understood her feelings and could not let go of her, he naturally admitted it openly.

Therefore, when traveling far away, it is only natural to take care of one's "fiancée".

At the same time, Ji Xiu, observing Xiao Pingnan's expression, also noticed his fatigue.

So, without making a sound, and by probing indirectly, he began to speak:
"But Lord Xiao, as the saying goes, a happy occasion makes one feel refreshed. After six years, the young lady finally has hope. Why do you look so gloomy today when you arrive in Beicang?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Pingnan frowned deeply, opened his mouth but couldn't utter a sound for a long time, and then sighed:
"Ugh"

Seeing his trusted lieutenant of Cangdu, who had served him for many years and had achieved numerous military exploits, in such a predicament, Chen Xuanque's face darkened like a storm cloud.
As the saying goes, even a clever housewife can't cook without rice.

"These days, talented individuals are easy to find, but top-notch players are hard to come by."

"If one wishes to become a master of alchemy and be able to use rare ingredients in medicine, one must first be a person with a clear mind and soul, and who has condensed a great elixir of magical power."

"Not only that, but one must also immerse oneself in alchemy for many years. Such people are rare, but in the past, one could find a few throughout Cangdu. But times have changed."

"Ji Xiu, are you familiar with the 'Jade Universe Xie Clan'?"

Chen Xuanque didn't mention this surname, so Ji Xiu was completely confused.

But when he slowly uttered the name of Xie Shi from the Jade Palace...
Ji Xiu suddenly realized what had happened and remembered the time in Jiangyin Prefecture when he bumped into the son of the powerful Xie family of Yuhuan and even got into a fight.

Therefore, he immediately frowned, his expression turning grim, and looked at Xiao Pingnan:

"Uncle Xiao, could it be that the 'Jade Huan Xie Clan' is behind this?"

At this point, Ji Xiu's tone suddenly revealed hidden anger.

After all, it concerned Xiao Mingli's recovery, so he couldn't help but be angry.

In the past, it was one thing to use it as leverage, since natural materials are rare. At most, it could be called "kicking someone when they're down." Although it was despicable, it didn't cross the line.

But if this matter is truly as I say, and there is no doubt about it...
That's a completely different concept!

This is an enmity for obstructing our path; we shall fight to the death!

"The ancestral home of the Xie family of Yuhuan, 'Yuhuan Mountain,' is known as 'a land of abundant resources and treasures, benefiting all living beings.' It is located at the junction of the Changbai Mountains and the Central Plains, running through the north and south, and is where the roots of local treasures and even rare materials are constantly being nurtured."

"Just like how the Divine Weapon Altar has master craftsmen who can forge titled divine weapons and establish cooperation with the major martial arts forces in the world."

"The Xie family of Yu Huan used 'earthly treasures and heavenly materials' as their brand, attracting many masters of alchemy and exerting a profound influence in this field."

"In addition, the local alchemy masters in Cangdu are mostly from state-owned families and have studied at the Yu Huan Xie Clan. They can be considered 'disciples of the Xie Clan'."

"That brat Xie Jixuan fled Jiangyin Prefecture in a sorry state, and then came to Beicang and spread the word that all the top alchemists should either stay at home or go out to visit others."

"My original purpose in coming here was to find a master alchemist for Mingli. Moreover, I have always been on good terms with those senior alchemists because of Mingli. But this time, I have been rebuffed!"

At this point, Marquis Xiao Mingli of Beicang was so angry that his teeth itched. He clenched his fists under his armor sleeves, his face full of murderous intent but with nowhere to vent it.

As an elderly father, he felt helpless about this situation, which is why he went to the prince's mansion hoping to find a way out through Chen Xuanque.

That's when I stumbled upon the fact that Ji Xiu was being visited by two orthodox branches of Buddhism and Taoism today.

After hearing the whole story, Ji Xiu's gaze turned slightly cold. Confirming his suspicions, he simply murmured softly:
"What a fine example of the Xie family of Yuhuan! What a fine example of Xie Jixuan!"

Last time in Jiangyin Prefecture, that brat was almost crippled by Wang Quan with a single stroke.

If it weren't for the clan elder protecting him and his expertise in self-preservation, he would have fled overnight.
According to the tradition of "revenge should not be delayed overnight" in his lineage, he had already sent him on his way under the cover of darkness with his two grandmasters!
As a result, he was spared his life, but instead of showing any restraint, he dared to become even more outrageous.
Ji Xiu is not a bloodthirsty person who enjoys taking action.

This can be seen from the fact that he has rarely fought to the death since he left Anning County.

He always practiced diligently and tirelessly, improving his martial arts skills to protect himself and those around him.

But once someone crosses this line...
Therefore, we cannot let him live.

This time, it was that kid named 'Xie Jixuan'
It was obvious that he had broken this precept!

"Even with the protection of the clan elders, there are always oversights."

"This kid is said to have received an invitation to the Dragon King's banquet. What a coincidence! I happen to have one too!"

"Xie Jixuan, you'd better pray you survive."

"Otherwise, if you dare to go to the Eastern Sea, your clan elder might be negligent and unable to protect you."

I will draw my sword and behead you!

"Even your so-called 'Young Dragon Stele Armor,' whose elder brother is said to be nearly a young martial saint, cannot be protected!"

Ji Xiu had already decided to kill, but his expression remained unchanged. Even though his mind was made up, he did not show it at all.

This is the habit he has cultivated since rising from the bottom: to accomplish things secretly. It's not too late to let the world know his temperament after that kid's head has rolled!

And right now.
The most important thing is to solve the problem.

So Ji Xiu temporarily suppressed his murderous intent and anger, exhaled a breath of turbid air, and his double pupils instantly regained their clarity:

"I see. Uncle Xiao has been upset. In the end, it is my fault."

If it weren't for that day

Xiao Pingnan's tiger-like eyes, which had been filled with resentment, softened considerably upon hearing Ji Xiu's slightly self-reproachful words.

"You child, why are you speaking like a different person when we're all family!"

The Beicang Marquis's residence, located in Jiangyin, was originally Xiao Pingnan's territory. No matter how small the disturbance was, it would not escape his ears.

Therefore, he already knew perfectly well what had happened between Ji Xiu and Xiao Mingli that day. So when he looked at Ji Xiu, it was as if he were looking at his own son or son-in-law, and he even felt a little sorry for him.

Therefore, when he thought of the Xie family of Yuhuan, he was filled with righteous indignation:
How can this be blamed on you?

"If that Xie family brat hadn't been so aggressive, things wouldn't have come to this!"

"But how vast is this world! It can cover Cangdu, intimidate the White Mountains and Black Waters, the nine regions and thirty-six prefectures of the Great Xuan World, and even the various other realms, and its vastness!"

"There are certainly masters of alchemy and skilled physicians with benevolent hearts!"

"If I cannot find her in Cangdu, I will immediately lay down my armor and return to my farm, and I will travel across mountains and rivers to find my daughter!"

Xiao Pingnan's tone was firm and unwavering, revealing the deep concern and love a father has for his daughter.

Xiao Mingli was someone Chen Xuanque had watched grow up. This feudal lord paced back and forth, his brows furrowed.

“You can afford to delay, but Mingli cannot. She has already wasted so much time; we shouldn’t let her continue like this.”

"The art of alchemy originates from the external world, so in terms of depth, those alchemy masters of the Buddhist and Taoist schools and the Immortal schools are far superior to those of the state lords." "Especially the current master of the Crimson Origin Palace, who is said to have acquired the supernatural power 'Southern Bright Fire,' which allows flames to rise from the void and be used to refine pills. These pills have the ability to enhance cloud patterns, fill spiritual deficiencies, and elevate rank, making them extremely extraordinary."

"The Arhat Guanhai of the Mahayana Wuliang Temple is also a seasoned master of alchemy, and should not be underestimated."

"It's just a pity that, as a feudal lord, I usually restrict heretics and don't have a deep relationship with these two families."

"But don't be impatient. With my connections in 'White Jade Capital,' I can write a letter and ask an old friend to mediate. He will surely be able to invite a master of unorthodox arts to refine this rare talent for my niece Mingli!"

Chen Xuanque spoke with conviction and immediately offered words of comfort, which calmed Xiao Pingnan's previously agitated mood considerably.

Realizing he had lost his composure, Xiao Pingnan sighed, then a look of gratitude appeared on his face. He cupped his hands, about to speak.
Then Ji Xiu suddenly interrupted him:

"The feudal lords of Chen".

"You just said that the orthodox lineages behind that monk and Taoist priest were all overseen by master alchemists?"

Ok?
Upon hearing this, Chen Xuanque, realizing Ji Xiu's intentions, immediately and vehemently denied it:

"I know what you're up to, but have you completely forgotten what I just said?"

"That Mahayana Wuliang Temple is a den of dragons and tigers. You might get brainwashed if you go there. Even with your Dragon Elephant Grandmaster accompanying you and the protection of that Lord Jiang's token, there's no guarantee that something unexpected might happen!"

"After all, that Mahayana Bodhisattva at his peak was a true near-Buddha, not to be underestimated, and he wouldn't care about the pinnacle of martial arts, you."

Ji Xiu knew that Chen Xuanque's harsh words and admonitions were for his own good, but he still shook his head:
"No, I am not going to the 'Mahayana Wuliang Temple'."

Having said that, he turned to look at Xiao Pingnan, his tone calm:

"Uncle Xiao, do you still remember the incomplete 'Divine Talisman Fire' Daoist technique that was once sealed in your mansion?"

Divine Talisman Fire Dao Technique?
Xiao Pingnan paused for a moment, his expression shifting slightly to one of recollection, followed by a hint of surprise and doubt:

"You mean the only incomplete and unknown fragment of a 'Daoist technique' in my library, among the books on Daoist cultivation?"

"good."

Ji Xiu nodded and began to recount the past in detail:
"At that time, I had just left the county and was surrounded by wolves in the mansion. Fortunately, I was protected by the young lady and was given the authority to read books and act at my own discretion."

"Taking advantage of this opportunity, I unexpectedly succeeded in cultivating that incomplete Dao technique and learned its origin, which is related to the 'Nanming Mountain' behind this Crimson Origin Hall!"

If I'm not mistaken...

"The 'divine power - Southern Bright Fire' that the feudal lord just mentioned might be a successor to the divine talisman fire seed that I imprinted on the Purple Mansion of the Great Dao!"

"Furthermore, Wei Zhao, the chief of the Chiyuan Palace, personally presented me with the Lingzhi mushroom and spoke up for me. I think I should make a trip to the Chiyuan Palace."

"I originally planned to wait a while, until things settled down in Cangdu, before making my trip."

"But now it seems that plans can't keep up with changes, and every day of delay brings another day of uncertainty."

"Since that Lord of the Crimson Origin Palace wants to see me, didn't the feudal lords call him a master of alchemy, a grandmaster among them?"

"I'll try to plead with that powerful figure and see if I can persuade them to help Mingli!"

“My mind is made up, so please do not try to persuade me any further, Uncle and Lord.”

Ji Xiu raised an eyebrow, his tone firm and unwavering.

When Chen Xuanque and Xiao Pingnan met, they looked at each other in bewilderment. After a long silence, Chen Xuanque finally spoke:
"Alright, then let's go!"

“But your Uncle Xiao must accompany you on this trip, and before that, you must go to your grandmaster’s place and ask him to come with you.”

"Otherwise, before he left, he instructed me to take care of you and not let anything happen to you. If anything were to happen to you..."

"I, this lord, have no way to explain this."

Hearing news about 'Jiang Li' from Chen Xuanque time and again, and knowing how much she valued him, Ji Xiu felt a warmth in his heart.

It was precisely because Jiang Li was so loyal and devoted that she did not want others to know, even though she was walking on thin ice. That is why Ji Xiu, as the 'Wang Quan Wu Mu', strongly recommended her to protect her at the Dao Ancestral Court.

This is the essence of the saying "to return a favor."

"In that case, Ji Xiu will obey the feudal lords!"

Cangdu, the Xie family's detached residence.

Pavilions and towers, surrounded by artificial hills.

Dressed in brocade robes, Xie Jixuan leaned against a beautiful woman, listening to the clan elder Xie Xun speak. He then pinched the slender waist of the pretty woman beside him hard, unable to suppress a cold laugh:

"Well done, patrolman!"

"Let's spread the word that the entire Beicang region knows that fighting against the 'Jade Huan Xie Clan' will only lead to certain death!"

"That Xiao Mingli is ungrateful, thinking that having the rare talent will solve everything?"

"I've been wronged so much, how can I not give you a piece of my mind!"

"Your father is Marquis Xuan, so he probably has some connections. He won't hold you off for long, but it will delay you for a year or two."

"More than enough!"

Just as he was beaming with smug satisfaction at having gotten his revenge.
Outside the mansion, on a jade dragon horse so white it was spotless, sat a young man dressed in white, with a solid martial arts intent and a face that looked no more than twenty years old.
Arriving just in time, I stepped into the mansion.

Upon reaching the pavilion, they were stopped by the servants of the mansion:
"Halt! Who are you? Do you even know?"

Before the waiter could finish speaking, the young man merely glanced at him without uttering a word. Suddenly, a shadow moved beside him, and with a flick of his sleeve, he flipped the waiter over!
The commotion immediately caught the attention of Xie Jixuan and Xie Xun. The former, who was in a good mood, was naturally annoyed by the sudden disruption and muttered under his breath:

"Who's making such a racket and disturbing my enjoyment?!"

"Brother, elder brother!?"

He cast his gaze over, and when he saw the young man with the aloof and refined air, whose aura had already surpassed that of his time in the clan, he nearly popped his eyes out:

"Martial Saint!?"

"A young martial arts saint!?"

"Brother, you've broken through?!"

Xie Wen looked calmly at his good-for-nothing younger brother and said softly:

"Where is the family of that boy who so humiliatingly expelled you?"

"Take me there."

"You want to compete with me, Xie Wen?"

"Then I shall see."

"What kind of person is that young man, really?"

Meanwhile, in Cangdu, in the northwest sky.

The sky, which had been clear and bright, suddenly became dazzlingly bright, as if something had arrived.

As expected, the Great Sun Chariot, suspended in mid-air and adorned with lapis lazuli, with its banner fluttering and bearing the words "True Warrior," arrived from the south in a grand and imposing manner!

Immediately, it cast a shadow over the vast blue sky, reflecting on the Earth Dragon City below. The entire city seemed to be covered with dragon and phoenix patterns, lifelike and truly extraordinary!

Then, the servants flanking the emperor looked down at the city's name, 'Cangdu,' inscribed on the curtain, and whispered:
"Daozi, we've arrived." (End of Chapter)